Acoustical device

ABSTRACT

An acoustical chamber being shaped and positioned at the proper level for maximum effectiveness. The chamber is constructed of relatively thin wood, is octagonal in shape and includes a resonance chamber. The resonance chamber acts in conjunction with a plurality of audio speakers mounted vertically thereon to impart a rich, full tone to the emitted sound. The chamber is formed as part of a lamp. The walls of the chamber serve as a support for the lighting fixtures of the lamp and for the shade. The lamp shade also acts to filter the sound to produce the superior audio effects and also to shade the glare of the lamp. The shade also acts to conceal the lamps and the chamber.

ates [191 Smith 1 Feb. 19, 1974 ACOUSTICAL DEVICE [22] Filed: Feb. 18, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 227,532

Primary Examiner-Stephen J. Tomsky Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stephen E. Feldman [57] ABSTRACT An acoustical chamber being shaped and positioned at the proper level for maximum effectiveness. The chamber is constructed of relatively thin wood, is octagonal in shape and includes a resonance chamber. The resonance chamber acts in conjunction with a plurality of audio speakers mounted vertically thereon to impart a rich, full tone to the emitted sound. The chamber is formed as part of a lamp. The walls of the chamber serve as a support for the lighting fixtures of the lamp and for the shade. The lamp shade also acts to filter the sound to produce the superior audio effects and also to shade the glare of the lamp. The shade also acts to conceal the lamps and the chamber.

4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures SHEET 1 0F 5 PAIENTED FEB 1 91914 PATENTEB FEB 1 91974 SHEU 3 0F 5 run ACOUSTICAL DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As stereophonic and other audio systems come into more common usage, the desire has been to devise superior speaker systems and especially systems that combine the speakers with a resonance chamber so that a full rich quality sound is produced. At the same time it would be desirable if the audio system could be concealed, and especially if it could be concealed so that the manner of concealing it enhanced the quality of the sound. Moreover, it would be desirable if the sys tem could be positioned at the proper level for maximum effect. A position where the sound would be projected at proper ear level.

The present invention has fulfilled these desires by providing a superior acoustical chamber which is properly positioned and effectively concealed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A polygon shaped acoustical chamber having vertically mounted speakers and a resonance chamber therein. The chamber is also formed into a lamp with the walls of the chamber acting as a support for lighting fixtures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows an overall view of the acoustical chamber with a shade broken away and partially covering it.

FIG. 2 shows the acoustical device including a pedestal and supporting base.

FIG. 3 is a view of the sections of the chamber sepa rated for clarity.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the chamber of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a view of the chamber of FIG. I in more detail.

FIG. 6 is a view of part of the pedestal and electrical connections in more detail.

FIG. 7 is a view of a hanging means for the chamber.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The acoustical device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes a base 14, support or pedestal 12, an acoustical chamber 2, lighting fixtures 7 and an acoustical covering or shade for the chamber.

The chamber, which is octagonal in cross-section, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4 is constructed'of wood, preferably a thin wood such as a three-ply Va inch thick plywood. The wood may be varnished or otherwise treated to produce the proper tonal effects.

The chamber itself includes top wall 24, and bottom wall 26 which are both octagonal in shape. Side panels are provided to join the top and bottom walls together. The five-side panels 28 shown on the left hand side of FIG. 3, (Section A) are permanently secured by screws, glue or other fastening means to the top and bottom sections and to each other. The edges of the panels are beveled so they fit snugly together with each other. The three remaining side panels 28' which form a separate section are shown in the right hand side of FIG. 3 (Section B). These panels are fastened to each other and four sided bottom and top sections 30 and 31 and to wall 32 to form a unitary structure. Sections 30 and 31 are spaced from the side panels 28 by a distance which is the same as the thickness of the top and bottom sections 24 and 26 of the acoustical chamber. The reason for this will be explained hereinafter.

Section B is thus formed as an integral unit so that it can be inserted into the open end of Section A of the acoustical chamber to form the complete chamber. Panel 32 may be made of stronger material than the other wall panels so that it can support speakers 20.

The three speakers will usually be bass, mid-range and high range speakers so as to achieve a full range of tone. The speakers are aligned with three openings 19 in wall 32, and are arranged so that the bass speaker is positioned in the lowest position in FIG. 3, the mid range speaker is positioned in the middle position and the high range speaker in the top position. By having the bass speaker in the lowest position, (it is the largest and heaviest speaker because of its size and its larger magnet) the center of gravity of the whole acoustical structure will be closer to the ground. Also, since the speakers are mounted on wall member 32 they are positioned so that the center of gravity of the speakers is at the center of the acoustical device so that the whole unit is very stable. The center of the chamber is also aligned with pedestal 12 to add to this stability.

Referring to Section B apertures 8 are provided in wall panels 28' so that the sound emitted by the speakers can be projected out of the acoustical chamber.

When the enitre chamber is placed together as shown in the cross sectional view of FIG. 4, a resonance chamber 33 is formed in back of the speakers. This chamber is defined by the five wall panels 28, the wall section 32 on which the speakers are mounted and the top and bottom sections 24 and 26 of the acoustical chamber. The resonance chamber provides for a reverberatory effect of the sound waves emitted by the speakers and gives the sound a rich quality tone. It appears that this particular six sided chamber construction when built of a thin plywood produces an optimum sound in fullness and tone, and thereby a very desirable audio effect.

This result is probably due to the thickness of the wood and to the shape, position and construction of the corners inside the chamber, especially the shape of the corners. It is noted that as shown in FIG. 3 four of the corners are 135 angles and two of the corners (the ones adjacent to wall 32) are angles. Also the addition of chamber B balances the sound and further enhances its quality. The resonance chamber may be lined with insulating material such as glass wool to increase the richness of the sound. Also openings 51 and 52 are provided in the top and bottom sections 24 and 26 to permit air to escape from the chamber to prevent the speakers from distorting the configuration and interfering with the audio output.

Sections A and B are detachable to provide for easy access to the speakers and to the resonance chamber so that any malfunction can be corrected. Section B is connected to Section A by means of removable fasteners such as screws and washers 17 and 16. These screws can pass through the center wall section 28 and into top and bottom walls 24 and 26 of the acoustical chamber, (See FIG. 3) or they can be placed through wall 28 into wall 32 as shown in FIG. 4. Each of the speakers is connected to an input supply by means of wires which pass through the support member 12 into the base 14 and to the source of the sound. Alternatively a group of connecting metal tips 53, can be provided. One set on member 60 at the base of the chamber and the other set on the top of the pedestal. These tips are connected to wiring on each side. The tips will be engaged when the pedestal is connected into the chamber by means of screw 61.

The source of sound can include a source of stereo phonic sound such as record players, tape cartridges etc. If desired the source can be placed in base 14.

A control knob is provided on the bottom wall 26 of the chamber to control the volume of the sound emitted by the speakers and also to turn the speakers off and on.

In order to connect the lighting fixtures to the chamber, suitable brackets 6 are provided on each wall section 28 and near the top (FIG. 6) or near the bottom (FIG. 1). These brackets can be right angle brackets having an arm 38 connecting the bracket to the wall and another arm 39 extending perpendicularly from the wall. The lighting fixtures consist of a stem 7, which holds the bulb. This stem passes through opening 37 in bracket 6 and is connected by fastening means, a bolt 5, to the bracket. The wire for bringing the source of current to each of the fixtures passes through a conduit 3, which is connected to each of the fixtures.

These wires pass through the resonance chamber through the stem 12 of the lamp, through the base and terminate in a suitable plug connection which is adapted to fit into a wall socket. Alternatively as mentioned with regard to the audio system metal tips can be provided as shown in FIG. 6 to transmit the current between the pedestal and the chamber to avoid connecting wires. Also coupling connections 46, 47, 48 and 49 are provided so that Section B of the chamber can be removed from Section A without having to sever the wiring. These couplings are conventional malefemale electrical couplings.

A dimmer switch 9 is connected into this circuit to the fixtures. This switch is located on bottom 26 of the chamber and operates to control the intensity of the lights. The actual source of light is a plurality of incandescent bulbs or other source of light each of which fits into the lower ends of the lamp fixtures 7.

It will be appreciated that the lamp fixtures themselves do not extend substantially beyond the periphery of a circle whose center is at the center of the acoustical chamber and whose radius is at the point of connection of each pair of side wall panels. The entire acoustical chamber and lighting fixtures then form a generally circular configuration. By conforming to this generally circular configuration, shade 40 can be placed over the whole acoustical chamber and light fixtures to conceal the entire unit.

The shade itself which is shown as decorative having a bottom and top trim 63 and 64 and center panels can be made of a fine fabric such as silk or metal screening covered with fabric or suitable other materials. The shade acts as a tonal filter with respect to the sound emitted by the speakers and the resonance chamber. It tends to balance the sound avoiding any extremes in sound quality. The shade is important to achieve this balanced tonal quality. The shade also acts to prevent the glare of the bare lamp bulbs.

A washer 45 is provided between the shade and the chamber to prevent vibrations being imparted to the shade which would interfere with the sound.

A suitable bolt 1 passes through this washer positioned in the center of top wall 24 to hold the shade to the chamber. A connecting member 44 screws onto the bolt to hold the shade securely.

Reflectors 41 which are concave reflective metal plates and are mounted on the side walls of the chamber adjacent the light bulbs prevent the heat from the light bulbs from adversely effecting the chamber.

It will be appreciated that the acoustical chamber is mounted so that it is positioned at the proper height for optimum sound transmission. It is positioned at ear level for people who are standing and slightly above ear level for people who are sitting. The speakers arealso arranged vertically so that the sound is projected outward and not upward or downward so as to obtain the most desirable audio effects.

It will be noted that if the lights project upwardly as shown in FIG. 5 and the bulbs are positioned near the top of the fixtures the heat generated by the bulbs will be able to readily escape between the side walls of the chamber and the shade.

It is further noted that the acoustical chamber can be hung from a support such as a ceiling in the style of a swag lamp. This is accomplished by attaching a hook 61 as shown in HO. 7 or other similar connecting member to bolt 1 in place of member 44. A cable 63 or other means is then attached to the hook and also attached to the ceiling to support the chamber. In this configuration it will operate in exactly the same manner as before. The chamber when hung, preferably should be positioned at the same level as previously mentioned for the most desirable effects.

The lighting fixtures on the chamber can also be positioned on the top and bottom if desired.

If desired the dimmer switch which controls the light intensity can be coordinated with the sound so that as the sound increases or decreases the light correspondingly increases and decreases. This would be particularly desirable for psychedelic effects.

It will be appreciated that while a particular form of the invention has been disclosed, one skilled in the art will be able to envision various other configurations that come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An acoustical device comprising:

a chamber having a plurality of side walls and a top and bottom wall including another wall which is positioned to divide said chamber into a first section comprising a resonance chamber and a second section comprising an audio output chamber a speaker positioned on said wall inside said resonance chamber means comprising an opening in said top and bottom wall of said resonance chamber means comprising openings in the walls of said audio output chamber supporting means connected to said chamber for supporting said chamber at a predetermined desirable audio level lighting means positioned on the outside of said chamber and substantially spaced thereabout, and

shade means on said chamber acting as a tonal and lighting filter with respect to sound emitted by said speaker and with respect to light emitted by the lighting means.

2. The acoustical device of claim 1 wherein the chamber has eight side walls, five of said side walls and said another wall forming the resonance chamber and wherein the other three walls and the another wall forming the audio output chamber.

3. The acoustical device of claim 2 wherein said support comprises a cable means connected to the top wall 5 port.

of said chamber for supporting said chamber in a verti- 

1. An acoustical device comprising: a chamber having a plurality of side walls and a top and bottom wall including another wall which is positioned to divide said chamber into a first section comprising a resonance chamber and a second section comprising an audio output chamber a speaker positioned on said wall inside said resonance chamber means comprising an opening in said top and bottom wall of said resonance chamber means comprising openings in the walls of said audio output chamber supporting means connected to said chamber for supporting said chamber at a predetermined desirable audio level lighting means positioned on the outside of said chamber and substantially spaced thereabout, and shade means on said chamber acting as a tonal and lighting filter with respect to sound emitted by said speaker and with respect to light emitted by the lighting means.
 2. The acoustical device of claim 1 wherein the chamber has eight side walls, five of said side walls and said another wall forming the resonance chamber and wherein the other three walls and the another wall forming the audio output chamber.
 3. The acoustical device of claim 2 wherein said support comprises a cable means connected to the top wall of said chamber for supporting said chamber in a vertical position.
 4. The acoustical device of claim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises a central support on which said chamber is positioned and a base to hold said support. 